Control mechanism for bowling pin spotting machines



Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYSEN 2,525,756

CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPDTTING MACHINES Filed April 14, 1945 I 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2 ,5 /520 INVENTOR WILLIAM C. BROEKHUYSEN f o B\ Z r 77/ 7 7 ATTORNEY Oct. 17, 1950 W. C. BROEKHUYSEN l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 14, 1945 on 6E & \mww R N m www 6% m 1 II. llim. .U f W Y 0 1 3 $1 m W 5 1 w m T @m $9 m A F p Q wfi mm \3 c ww wm 3 MW wR 3 9% www r NQ ww mg 0 4G 55R 5 a W4&. @w ww 1 www x wsfi Q r E 6w 8E Sw 4 f QQ w NQ QR 8w w 0 o a) 42 @E @w a 9 @w 3 w m m Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYS EN Filed April 14, 1945 FIG.

10 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR .EWILLIAM c. BROEKHUYSEN ATTORNEY Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 10 Sheets-Shed 4 Filed April 14, 1945 INVENTOR vnLuAM c. BROEKHUYSEN ATTORNEY Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYSEBI 2,525,766

CONTROL MECHANISM F OR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Filed April 14, 1945 l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 9

INVENTOR WILLIAM G. BROEKHUYSEIN ATTORNEY Oct. 17', 1950 W. C. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Filed April 14', 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR WILLIAM G. BROEKHUYSEN 8Y2 f y. a

Wil /l.

510 FIG. I0

Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MEiC HANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPQTTING MACHINES Filed April 14. 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet '7 Oct. 17, 1950 w. c. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MBQHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES l0 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 14, 1945 Oct. 17, 1950 w. .c. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPQI'TING MACHINES Filed April 14, 1945- 1.0 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR WILLIAM G. BROE KHUYSEN on oE w m t T @Q ATTORNEY fi 0.. w. c. BROEKHUYSEN CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Filed April 14. 1945 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 ATTORNEY INVENTOR WILLIAM C. BROEKHUYSEN r. L SW9 Patented Oct. 17, 1950 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 26 Claims. 1

This invention relates to bowling pin setting machines and more particularly to foul control mechanism associated with such machines which can be set into operation either automatically or manually, controlling the operation thereof in accordance with the requirements and rules of the game whenever a player makes a foul.

In bowling alleys approved by the American Bowling Congress, each alley is provided with a foul line extending transversely across the alley where the head end of the alley joins the approach or ball rolling or throwing portion. The foul line, therefore, establishes a limit beyond which a player may not move in throwing or rolling a ball at pins standing at the far end of the alley. In the case of a two-ball frame such as is customary in tenpins, if a foul is made on the first ball thrown, no score is counted and a new set of pins is placed on the alley preparatory to throwing the second ball. If on the second ball a foul is made, no score is counted and ten pins are spotted awaiting the playing of the next frame.

Rules pertaining to fouls are set up by the American Bowling Congress and are enforced in all tournament and league games. Generally fouls are declared by a foul judge located at a specified distance from the head of the alley who watches the play of the game and calls fouls whenever under the rules a foul should be de- 5 clared.

The problem which is solved by the present invention is that of automatically controlling the operation of a bowling pin setting machine or spotter so that if and when a player fouls on the first ball of a frame, the declaration of the foul results in automatically changing the normal sequence of operations of the machine in such a way that the machine operates in conformity with the prescribed rules of play with the least loss of time.

It will be seen, therefore, that in the case of any completely automatic foul detector which meets the approval of the American Bowling Congress, each foul is automatically declared and the operation of the machine is automatically adapted to the proper sequence of play. The personal views of a player, and oversights by the judge, and the question of possibly debatable fouls neither have an effect upon the game nor interrupt the progress thereof.

In the event that a manual foul indicator is employed much the same conditions obtain as noted above. This is because the foul judge need i not cry out and signal a player when the latter makes a foul and since a completely automatic control is initiated by the foul judge in declaring a foul, the machine is automatically controlled substantially simultaneously with the declaration of a foul and the importance of the personal equation is minimized.

In both cases an embarrassing situation is quickly overcome with a minimum of debates or questioning by the player. The present invention, therefore, solves a long standing problem and contributes materially to the orderly and proper playing of the game.

The present invention relates to the provision of automatic control means for conforming the operations of an automatic pin setting machine to conditions arising incident to fouling during the playing of the game.

According to my invention there is provided mechanism operable either automatically or manually to cause the machine to set a new frame of pins if a foul is made on the first ball of a frame thrown and, if desired, give a visual or audible signal or both to a player that such has been made. If a foul is made on the second ball, a

visible or audible signal or both apprises the player of that fact but the operation of the machine continues normally in accordance with the prescribed cycle of operations of the machine.

It is an object of my invention to provide an automatic control mechanism for use with an automatic bowling pin setting machine which is operable to control the operation of a bowling pin setting machine in accordance with the rules of play whenever a player makes a foul either on the first or second ball or both during the course of play.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a bowling pin setting machine having mechanism for setting and resetting bowling pins preparatory to playing the game and control means therefor effective for removing all pins standing on the alley after the first ball of a frame has been thrown and a foul made and to reset a new frame of pins in playing arrangement on the alley pending the throwing of the next ball of the same frame, and to so control the cycle of operations of the machine that proper setting of pins in the further play of the game continues notwithstanding the fact that a foul has been made in an immediately preceding frame.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings Which form a part of this specification, and in which like char-- acters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Figure l is a sectional side elevation partly diagrammatic, showing a preferred embodiment of various mechanisms for automatically operats and controlling a bowling pin setting machine;

Figure 1a is a sectional side elevation, partly diagrammatic, showing the sweep, and its operating means and its relation to other mechanisms constituting the machine;

Figure 2 is a front elevation showing a part of the mechanism of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial side elevational View of the control mechanism and the pin handling table;

Figure 4 is a side elevation partly in section, taken on line of Figure 5 showing a preferred form of control mechanism, the frame being omitted for sake of clearness;

ure 5 is an end elevation of Figure 41;

Figure 6 is a plan view of Figure 4;

Figure '7 is a sectional plan view on line 'l-'i of Figure 4 showing the suction valve control mechanism;

Figure 8 is a side sectional elevation of the mechanism of Figure 9 showing in section taken along line 88 construction of the index looking mechanism and its connection to the pin setter table;

Figure 9 is a plan view of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the control mechanism shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a front view of the indexing mechanism, partly in section showing the connections between the pin setter table and the indexin, device;

Figure 12 is an enlarged View, partly in section, of pa ts shown in Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a side elevation of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a plan vi w of the pin setter table showing suction connections to the spotter and respotter funnels;

Figure 15 is a sectional elevation on Iii-l5 of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a sectional elevation on |lii6 of Figure 14.;

Figure 1'7 is a s ction l i v showing the suction inlet to the pin setter table;

Figure 18 is a sectional view on line ill-t3 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a sectional view on line E -.9 of Figure 1'7;

Figure 20 is a sectional view showing a respotter unit resting on the botto s e of e table, the suction turned on bringing the valve stem down to hold the respotter secure while the table is rotated 180;

Figure 21 is a sectional view showing the se e respotter when raised by the pin and sealed against the top plate of the t ble and the valve piston forced up so as to lead suction into the valve to hold the pin and funnel secure to the table;

Figure 22 is a partial sectional view showing the suction valve in a neutral position;

Figure 23 is a sectional view on line 2323 of Figure 20;

Figure 24 is a development of suction cams for the respotter units;

Figure 25 is a development of the suction control cams for the pin setting units on the table;

Figure 26 is a development of cams for indexing the pin setter table;

Figure 2'7 is a development of cams for strike control circuit breaker and spare control mechanisms;

Flgl'le 28 is a plan view of the spotter and respotter cams;

Figure 29 is a side elevation of Figure 28:

Figure so is a plan view of the f r indexing the pin setter table;

line

lirv e Figure 31 is a sectional elevation on line 31-3! of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a side elevation of Figure 31.

Figure 33 is a suitable wiring diagram showing a circuit including the several control mechanisms necessary for operating the automatic foul detector pin setting control;

Figure 34 is a fragmentary view showing circuit connections which can be used for manual operation of the foul detector pin setting control; and

Figure 35 shows a detail of the electric control system.

Although the invention is of general application, the preferred form illustrated is applied to a machine of the general type shown in Nejedly patent, No. 2,298,718, issued October 13, 19 12. The following description describes and the drawings disclose in some detail as much of the Nejedly machine as is deemed necessary to make clear the structure and operation of the invention. and its application to a particular machine.

Referring to the drawings, in Figures 1, 2 and 3 there are provided side frame uprights la, lb. 2a and 2b connected by cross frame members 3 and -2 and longitudinal members 23. Supported on cross frame i is a bracket 5 in which one end of shaft 6 is journalled; the other end is mounted in a bearing in side frame lb (Figures 1 and 2) and carried by the shaft is a earn 1. Shaft is rotated by means of shaft 29 through sprocket fastened to shaft 69 and a sprocket chain 42 tracking sprocket H fastened to shaft i2. Through sprocket 13, also fixed to shaft 12, the drive is transferred by sprocket chain Hi to sprocket i5 mounted upon shaft 5 to rotate earn 1. Bowling pins, which are to be set upon the alley bed, are transferred from a magazine M by means of mechanism which may take the form of that sho n i co-pe: g application, Serial No. 260 981, file" by Pti el F Rund ll on March 10, 1939, now Patent 2,388,707, granted November 13, 1945. The pins are placed in predetermined arrangement in the table T, which is raised, lowered and inverted relative to the alley bed. The desired up and down movement of table T to and from the alley bed is effect d bv means of cam l on which runs a cam follower I! on an arm of gear segment 56 loosel mounted on shaft 12 and meshing with pinion l8 fixed to shaft 19 supported in arms 28 of bracket 5. Also fixed to shaft if! is a sprocket 2! about which is trained sprocket chain 22 tracking a sprocket 23 fixed to shaft 2 reorntei in brackets 25 supported by the side frames 2a and 2b of the machine.

Mounted on shaft 24 is a pulley 26 about which is trained cable 2'! suitably connected at 28 to slide member 37, vertically slidable in guide 8 on side frame member 2a and provided at its lower end with a bracket 33 and a clamp nut 38a which secures hollow shaft 39 of table T in the slide bracket 38 for vertical movement. Also assisting in the vertical movement of the table T is a cable 29 which is trained over pulley 3U supported by shaft 3| journalled in bracket 32 mounted on cross frame member 3. Cable 29 extends over a similar pulley 35 mounted on shaft 33 supported by bracket 34 mounted on frame member 4. A counterweight 3% acts to balance the table. While I have only described the mountings of single cables, it will be apparent from Figure 2 that these cables are provided on both s des of the machine.

As sho n in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 14 to 16, inclusive, the table T comprises a plurality of pin setter elements S mounted on one side and a plurality of respotting units U mounted on the other side. The arrangement of the setters S and respotting units U conforms to the usual playing positions of pins on the alley bed, but may be varied in any manner if desired.

Pins P, which are to be transferred and set upon the bed of a bowling alley, are fed from the pit of the alley by suitable mechanism (not shown), which may include spiral members forminga part of a magazine indicated generally M wherein a plurality of pins, usually ten or more, is arranged in alignment for the removal therefrom of the desired number at a predetermined time by means of grippers H which are mounted upon a vertically movable conveyor device designated 4?. which consists of a plurality of longitudinal bars 43 secured to transverse supports M. On bars '13 are slidably mounted carriages 45 which in the preferred embodiment are provided with independent grippers M which engage and grip the required number of up-ended pins in magazine M for transfer to pin setters S (Figure 1).

The raising and lowering of the table T and operation of the pin transfer mechanism 42 is accomplished by means of a motor ii mounted upon frames la, lb of the machine at 28. A stud shaft 49 is driven by means of the sprocket 5t from the motor shaft 5! through a sprocket i2 mounted thereon and a chain 52a. The drive is 3;;

transferred from shaft 49 to shaft 5 in the manner described hereinbefore. Shaft 53 on which is mounted cam 5 which causes the raising and lowering of pin transfer i2, is driven by means of sprocket 55 mounted on shaft is through sprocket chain 56 tracking a sprocket 5'. on shaft 53.

5 is provided with high and low portions (as shown in Figure 1) and whenever a low portion is engaged by cam follower 58 on lever 59, the grippers M will be either in pin receiving position over the magazine M or in pin delivering position over setters S. Lever 59 is provided with an arm 69 to which is attached a link 6! connected at E2 to lever 63 provided with an arm $4 pivotally connected to bar 44 forming a cross member of the frame of transfer 42.

The carriages 45 are moved longitudinally along bars 43 by means of pinions (not shown) mounted on shaft 69 journalled in arm 58 which also forms a part of lever 59 mounted on shaft 69. On shaft 69 is provided a sprocket l2 over which tracks a sprocket chain H engaging the sprocket if! on shaft 67. Shaft is driven by means of a pinion (not shown) fixed thereto engaging a suitable driving means, such as a gear segment (not shown) of the type described and disclosed in the above referred to Rundell patent. The bowling pins are lifted from spirals 40 by grippers H moved clear thereof, transferred longitudinally and located in proper arrangement in pin setters S where they are held while the carriages 45 with their grippers 4! move back to obtain a new set of pins.

In the manner disclosed in said Nejedly patent, after the carriages 45 have delivered the pins from the magazine to the setters S, the pins, gripped firmly therein by suitable means such as mechanical grippers or holders operated by suction, provided in the table from a suitable source of supply through a conduit 53 and valves V1 and Vs, here nafter described more in detail, are transferred to the playing surface or bed of alley A. Conduit it connects valve V1 (Figures 4, 5 and 6) through a flexible conduit 15 to a hollow plug it fixed in hollow shaft 3 (Fi ure.

d 17) so that suction created in conduits 14, 16 can be transmitted through a two-way element 80, which supports one end of a hollow shaft 8i, and through two-way element 82 fastened to the other end of member BI and provided with an opening connecting a hollow plug 84 with a flexible conduit 85. Conduit 85 conducts suction to ducts 8? which are connected to each of the pin setter units S. Since plug 8 3 is adapted to rotate relative to fixed hollow shaft 39, a circumferential suction passage 83 is formed in element 32, shaft 39 and sleeve 83a which surrounds shaft 39. In this manner it is possible to create the desired suction, and maintain it regardless of the rotation of table T.

In order to operate the resetting or respotting members U and provide for proper functioning of the foul control mechanism, there is provided a flexible suction conduit H which is attached to a pipe fill. This pipe is provided with a suitable automatically operable valve 105, such as an electrically operated valve of conventional design, jdined to conduit 75. Valve 105 is operated whenever a foul is made when the first ball of a frame is thrown to cut out suction in line 15-11 of resetters U. This operation incapacitates resetters U and pins remaining standing as the result of that ball are not lifted and reset pending rolling of the next ball of the frame. Conduit Tl connects to a hollow plug member 79 fast in shaft 39, and suction is inducted into the hollow shaft therefrom and through a circumferential passage 88 into the bore of plug 89 about which is seated flexible conduit 90 which through ducts 9| sup plies the several respotting units U with fluid pressure whenever pins are to be lifted and respotted.

Table or elevator T which is of the same general construction as that disclosed in the above referred to Nejedly patent, consists generally of a frame F provided with a central barrel or hub 92 mounted upon sleeves 83a for rotation about and relative to stationary shaft 39. Barrel 92 is held in proper position upon shaft 39 against lateral movement thereon by means of a collar 93 positioned about shaft tfiand locked in adjusted relationship thereto by means of a set screw 96. Referring to Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17, it will be seen that frame F supports the several setters S in usual substantially triangular pin formation, although any other desired arrangement may be used. Setters S are rigidly mounted u'con pines ill which are clamped to the frame F by means of clamps 95 fastened to frame F.

Pin setters S corresponding to bowling pins, numbers (I), 5 (V), 7 (VII), and to (X), in the form shown, are provided with elbows 81a connecting them to the system of pipes 81, while the remaining setters are mounted upon the pipes 8'! by means of T units 8119. Attention is called to Figures 15 and 16 which illustrate this method of mounting the setters S. When suction is inducted into the system Bl, by means of conduit 85, it will be uniformly distributed through the several pin setters as desired. The

table T also comprises an upper plate 9% and a lower plate 9'! provided with a number of openings iii! therein corresponding to the number of pin respotting units. These two plates are con nected by means of spacers 98 which by means of suitable nuts 99 hold them rigidly separated one from another. Upper plate 95 is secured to frame F by means of braces lilii extending downwardly from the frame F. Slidably mounted upon lower plate 9! and substantially concentric with each of the openings IIII therein, are the bowling pin respotting units U, which are substantially the same as those shown and described in the above referred to Rundell patent. In order to prevent excessive lateral movement of the respotters U on their support, circular depending flanges I82 are mounted on the under surface of plate 95.

Sweep 48% (Figure 1a) is provided for removing fallen pins or deadwood and unwanted stand ing pins from the alley and gutters. In the normal play of the game such pins are moved by sweep 400 into the pit at the end of the alley after the throwing of each ball of a frame. If pins remain standing after the first ball is thrown, they are lifted, the alley is swept, and the pins are reset for the second ball of the frame. After the second ball is thrown, all pins standing or fallen are swept into the pit, and a new set of pins is placed on alley A for the next frame.

According to the present invention the normal operation of the machine is changed whenever a foul is made on the first ball of a frame. That is, if a foul is made on the first ball, the pin resetting mechanism is automatically rendered inoperative, and all standing pins, as well as any fallen pins on the alley A or in the gutters are swept into the pit. This means that the control mechanism operated by either of the foul detector devices shown in Figures 33 and 34 causes the pin setting mechanism of the machine to operate as if the first ball of the frame were a strike except that at the end of this cycle the control mechanism of the machine is in the position it would normally occupy when ready or waiting for a player to roll the second ball of the same frame. Pin transfer units 4i are then operated to deliver a set of pins to setters S, and table T is set into operation to effect the placement of a new set of pins on alley A pending the throwing of the second ball of the same frame.

Since the game being described is one in which two balls per frame are thrown, such as tenpins, the second ball is then the last allotted for a frame. After this ball is rolled, all pins, standing and fallen, are swe t into the pit, and a new set of ins is delivered by setters S to alley A, awaiting the throwing of the first ball of the next frame.

A sweep and operating mechanism such as shown and described in Rundell patent, No. 2,250.503, granted July 29, 1941, is well adapted for use in connection with the present invention. The sweep consi ts of a transverse member 465], preferably provided adjacent the ends with projections 402 adapted to run in the gutters so that as the sweep travels back and forth along the pin supporting section of the alley clean sweeping is as u ed.

The mechanism for moving sweep 4&0 longitudinally back and forth along alley A is shown in Figure 1a. Lever 4G5 pivotally mounted on shaft 406 suitably supported in the machine frame is provided with a cam follower 4414 engaging a cam 49?; fixed to shaft 6. Lever 465 is also provided with a gear segment 4H3 meshing with a :pinion M2 on shaft 4M, which shaft also supports a pinion 4H5 meshing with a gear 4H on shaft 4 I3. Fixed to shaft is a sprocket 32!) on which runs a chain 422 which drives sprocket 424 on shaft 425. Sprocket 426 on shaft 425 through chain 428 running on sprocket 438 on shaft 432 drives shaft 432. In this manner the drive is transferred to spaced sweep supporting chains 4234 running on sprockets 436, 438 on shaft 432 mounted in brackets 433 fixed to spaced arms 42I secured to shaft 425, and sprockets 440, 442 on shaft 444 supported in arms 446 pivotally mounted at 448 in brackets 450 secured to machine frame members 452.

Sweep supporting arms 421, 446 are raised and lowered in proper timed relation to locate the sweep in operative position relative to the alley and return it to inoperative position thereabove. Links 443 are pivotally connected to brackets on arms 421, 446 to insure substantially parallel movement of the arms and proper location of the sweep in operative position relative to the alley and in inoperative position above the alley. Movement of sweep 400 to and from alley A is effected by a earn 454 which is engaged by a cam follower 455 on lever 458 [pivotally mounted on pin 460. The rotation of cam 454 causes lever 458 to swing on pin 48% and pay out cable 462, having one end fastened to lever 458. Cable 462 runs over a pulley 464 and is secured at its other end to a lever 466 fixed to shaft 425. Continued rotation of cam 454 results in the return of the sweep frame to inoperative position above the alley where it remains, until the next call of a frame is thrown, and a new sequence of operations is started by the arrival of the ball in the pit which closes a switch 468 in the main control circuit (not shown) but which is the same as that'shown and described in Rundell patent, No. 2,250,503.

In order to control the suction in the pin setters S and respotting units U, there has been provided a housing I05 which has lugs I06 through which project screws I01 fastening the housing to machine frame 2a (see Figures 3 to '7, inclusive). Also secured to frame 2a by means of screws IE9 is a bracket IIB having a bearing III in which is journalled a shaft IIZ. Secured to one end of shaft I I2 is a crank arm I I3 while at the other end is fixed a lever I I4 provided with a c m follower H5. Crank H3 is connected to a link IIB.

Also forming a part of housing I05 is an arm Ififia provided with a journal I052) (Figure 6). A shaft III is journalled in journal I080, of projection I 8 formed on housing I05 and in the journ l 0 b. Mounted on shaft I I1 is a sprocket I I which through s rocket ch in I I9 drives the shaft in the dir ction indicated in Figure 4. Levers I21 and I2a are journalled on shaft I22 mounted in housing 05 and bracket I22 secured to ho sing I05 by screws I24. S aft I22 is fixed in ho sing H15 bv a set screw I26. Levers I21 and I2Ia are provided with portions I2! arranged to engage with adjustablv mounted set screws I28 mounted in housing I05 and thereby control the downward movement of the levers.

The suction control mechanism may consist of a double valve device, designated generally D (Figures 1, 4, 5 and 6) having a bracket portion 529 mounted upon housing I05 by means of screws I30. Two valves V1 and V2 are provided, for reasons described hereinafter, and since the construction is identical it will suffice to describe one in detail. Valves V1 and V2 are! arranged side by side and in the illustrated embodiment are formed in a single unit. Slidably mounted in each of the valves is a piston member I 3!, having a slotted lower end and a pin I32 resting on the end of lever I2I or I2IA. Piston member I3! is provided with a reduced portion I33 approximately midwav of its length, and at its free end has a substantially L-shaped bore- I34. The piston is slidably movable in bore I35 formed in each valve device. A spring I36 bears against and tends to urge each piston I3I into suction cut-off position in which tne reduced portion I33 lies out of alignment with bore I39 so that L-shaped bore I34 connects opening I38, and pipe 14, and the tail I21 of lever I2I or I2IA rests against set screw I28 thus preventing excess downward movement of lever I2I or I2IA. In this position (see Figure 4) all suction through conduit 14 is cut off.

Cam follower I on lever I2I or I2IA is provided for tracking cams which are moved into cooperating position therewith as described hereinafter. in this manner lever lZI or I2IA is raised against the compression of spring I36, reduced piston portion I33 is aligned witn bore I39 and pipe 14, suction flows from conduit 13 to pipe 14 and thereby enters either the pin setter or the in respotting system, and either one or the other, respectively, is made active for gripping and handling pins, as pointed out above. As stated, valves V1 and V2 are identical in construction and operation although they are operated in different timed relation, as will be made evident hereinafter. A single source of suction 13 feeds both valves. A bore I3Ia connects valve V1 and a similar bore I3Ib connects valve V2 with the source of suction.

The operation of valves V1 and V2 is controlled by a series of cams slidably mounted on and rotating with shaft II1. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and '7, cams I4I, I42 and I43 coact with cam follower projection [20. on valve lever I2I, and cams I44, I45 and I46 cooperate with projection I2Ila on valve lever I2Ia to open and close these valves. The cams may all be formed as an integral unit or connected together (as shown, secured to a disk I41, and mounted for sliding movement as a unit on shaft I 11). Fixed to cam I44 is a hub I48 having a reduced portion I49 engaged by cam follower I I5 carried by lever II4 so that whenever this lever is rocked, the cams will be shifted along shaft II1.

Mounted on frame 2 are other elements of the control mechanism in which the several stationary shafts thereof are fixed in spaced frame members I50 and I5I secured to the frame 2 and to each other at I53 (Figure 9).

The mechanism for indexing the pin setter table is the same as that disclosed in said Nejedly patent. Referring to Figure 12, it will be seen that a solenoid i 60 mounted on frame I 5I (Figure 10) is provided with an armature I6I connected to a bell crank lever I62 pivotally mounted at I62a in a bracket I62b in which is also mounted shaft I55 to which lever I56 is attached. Lever 56 is provided with an arm I56a, and to the upper end of shaft I55 is attached an arm I561). Arm I561? is pivotally connected to link I I6 (Figure 6). The free end of lever I62 is provided with a trigger or hammer portion I620 movable by operation of solenoid I60 into engagement with latches I63 mounted about a turret I65. These latches cooperate in holding the pins I64 in inoperative position. From a reference to Figures 12 and 13., it will be seen that solenoid I60 has been energized whereupon armature I6I has moved lever I62 from its normally inoperative position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 12, to its latch engaging, or full line position, where impact arm or hammer I620 has engaged a latch I63; hence under such conditions the latch is tripped, and the pin I64 under its control is released. Turret I65 carries a plurality of pins I64 spaced ninety degrees apart, as shown in Figure 13. Each of the pins is slidably mounted and normally spring urged into operative position. Each pin is also provided with a reduced portion 164a adapted to be engaged by tail I63a of latch I63 for locking the pin in inoperative position, As shown in detail in Figure 12, each pin I64 is slidably mounted in bores I651) formed in the turret I65, and encircling each pin is a spring I65a, one end of which engages a shoulder I64b of pin head I64d while the other end of the spring bears against a shoulder I650 of the bore I652),

The several latches are pivotally mounted at I66 in grooves or slots I61 formed in the turret. Springs I68 located in bores I69 formed in the turret I65 urge latches I63 into latching position as the pin I64 is pushed in when the pin head I64d, rides on cam I640.

Turret I65, which is responsible for the operation of the strike control mechanism of the machine, is loosely mounted on shaft I10, and has either formed integrally therewith or suitably attached thereto a gear I'II which is driven by gear I12 mounted on shaft I13 meshing with and driven by gear I14 on shaft I15. A gear I14a, also mounted on shaft I15, meshes with and is driven by gear I16 on shaft I11. Shaft I11 is driven from sprocket 450 on the main drive shaft 49 through chain 45I and sprocket 452 on shaft I12. Pinion 453 on shaft I11 meshes with gear 454 on shaft 15 on which are mounted the several cams (I86 to I9I, inclusive) which. control the various operations as will be hereinafter described.

Referring to Figure 13, it will be seen that in its counterclockwise movement, each pin I64, if and when released from a latch I63, becomes operative approximately forty-five degrees from the vertical, at which time it engages cam surface I82 of a lever I18, hereinafter described more in detail. It is also to be noted that as the turret is rotated step by step through 90 in each cycle of the machine during which time shafts 6 and 53 make one and two revolutions, respectively, each of the pins I64 will be moved past hammer or trigger head I620 and if the pin is not released by the striking impact of the hammer with its locking latch I63 because the hammer I620 not operated to unlatch it, the pin cannot project from the turret, as shown in Figure 12, and hence cannot engage cam portion I82, as above mentioned, and operate the strike control mechanism. 1

Whenever turret I65 conveys any of the pins I64 past trigger I620, and a particular pin is released from a particular latch, that pin will operate in the manner above described. That is, when a pin I64 is unlatched, spring I65a, which abuts against shoulder I641), forces the pin to the right (Figure 12) and the strike control mechanism will be rendered operative.

Lever I18 is pivotally mounted on shaft I19 fixed in frame I5I. A collar I pinned to shaft I19 limits the lever against lateral movement. Lever I18 in addition to the cam I62, substantially midway of its length, is also provided with a yoke I 8| at its free end in which rides a roller I51 carried on the end of lever I56. In this manner whenever lever I18 is rocked about its pivot because of its engagement with a pin I64, link II6 rocks lever II3, which shifts collar I46 and its associated cams along shaft II1. Arm I56a of lever I56 is provided with a cam follower I58 which rides in a groove I83 formed in member I84 slidably mounted on shaft I85. Attached to or formed integrally with slide member I84 are ll cams I86, I8? and I88 on one side of groove I83, while cams I89, I90 and ISI, the last of which is a blank, are located on the other side. Spring which encircles shaft I35, bears against collar I02 fixed to shaft I85 and urges member I84 against collar I93 also pinned to shaft ISE.

When the lever I18 is moved by a selected pin I04, it causes yoke IBI to rock arm I50 which controls the movement of the strike and spare cams. Hence, if there is a full stroke of lever I56 (from full-time-line to dotted-line position, Figures 6 and 13), the movement of member I84 along the shaft I85 will position cam I88 in the path of a lever I95 mounted on shaft I96 for engagement by the bumps IQ? of cam I88 for indexing the pin setter table T through one-half of a revolution.

When a bump I91 engages with lever I95 it swings a lever I98, fast on shaft I05, and provided with a locking nose I99 out of locking engagement with lever 202. A spring 203, one end of which is secured at 20 5 to the lever I28 and the other end of which is suitably connected to the frame, normally urges lever I08 into locking engagement with lever 202.

Lever 202 is mounted on one end of a shaft 200, which is journalled in brackets 206a and 20Gb suitably secured to frame I56 of the indexing mechanism. At the other end of shaft 226 is mounted a lever 207, provided with cam followers 228 and 208a. Cam follower 208 runs in a groove 2Q9a in member 289 formed integrally with or suitably attached to gear 255} which is slidablyand rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft 2M. A spring 2 I I located in a recess 2I2 in frame I50 bears against lever 20': so that whenever lever 222 is released from looking engagement with lever I98, the spring 2II forces gear 2I0, which meshes withgear 2E3 fixed to shaft I'll, to slide along shaft 2 I4.

Fastened to or formed integrally with gear 2I0 is an arm 2H3 provided with a cam follower 2!? arranged to engage slots 2I8 in a Geneva gear 2i rotatably mounted on shaft 220 whenever lever 20? is rocked by shaft 206 to slide arm 2E6 into engagement with Geneva gear 2I9 whereupon cam follower 2i? carried by arm 2I6 is positioned to engage one of the slots2 I I} in Geneva gear 2 IS. As shown, slots 2H3 are spaced 90 apart so that every time the cam follower 2 I? engages in a slot 2 IS, the Geneva gear will be indexed through 90. Spaced 90 apart about the periphery of Geneva gear 2l9 and between slots 2I8 are apertures 225 into which fits a projection 222 mounted on a lever 223 pivoted at 224 and provided with a cam follower 225 tracking a cam 226 mounted on the hub of arm 2H3. In this summer, after each indexing movement of arm 2H5, projection 222 will be brought into engagement with an aperture 22I to lock the Geneva gear 2 I0 against overrun.

Attached to or formed integrally with Geneva gear 2I9 is a gear 22?, which meshes with and drives gear 228 mounted on shaft 229 journalled in side frames I50 and II. The gear ratio between gears 22? and 228 is one to two (1:2), so that for every 90 of movement of gear 22?, gear 228 is rotated through 180 thereby turning table T through 180. At the conclusion of the indexing operation, a cam 255 mounted on the face of gear 2I3 engages cam follower 293a on lever and swings lever 28f outwardly causing cam follower 288, also mounted on lever 20?, to slide gear 2H, on shaft 2M thereby disconnecting cam follower 2!? from Geneva slot 2H3, whereupon cam follower 225 riding on cam locks shaft 220 against further rotation because of the en gagement of projection 222 with aperture 22I (see Figures 4 and 8). Also mounted on shaft 229 and either formed integrally with or attached to gear 228 is a gear 230. Fixed at 180 intervals adjacent the periphery of gear 230 and on the face thereof. are plates 23I provided with projections 232. These projections are positioned to engage with cut-out portions or apertures 233 formed in plates 232 fixed to the face of a gear I30 mounted on hub 235 of table T.

From the above it follows that setter table T, which is mounted on shaft 20 supported by slide brackets 37 running in guides 8, will be in position to be turned on shaft 30 throughl? Whenever one of the projections 232 carried by. gear 230 is in engagement with an aperture 233 carried by gear I36 (Figure 4) Setter table T. is provided at one end (see Figures 2, 9 and 14) with a hub 23.5.so that whenever gear I30 is rotated through setter table T also will rotate a similar amount. In order to lock the table against possible rotation during the upward and downward movements, there has been provideda latch and thrust collar 2? between hub and one face of gear 30, Figure 8; this collar is keyed to shaft 39 and is provided with openings 223 in which fit noses 239 formed on latches 22f which are pivotally mounted on short shafts 2M carried by gear I30 and hub 235. In the present embodiment two latches spaced 180 apart are employed, thereby makingit certain that the table will be unlocked for indexing at the proper time. Each latch is furnished with a controi arm 222 and Springs 263 cooperate with tails 264 formed on the latches to maintain noses 232 in looking engagement with openings 238. An adjustable link 245 connects levers 245 attached to shafts 2 so that whenever one latch 2 30 is moved out of engagement with collar 23?, the other also will be moved. Mounted on the hub of arm 2H5, adjacent cam 223, is a cam 24! positioned to engage the control arms 242 of latches 2 50 so that whenever lever 2I'5 moves to drive Geneva gear 2I9, the high portion of cam 2 engages one of the arms 222 of latches 2'40 and thereby unlocks gear I30 and hub 235 from collar 23? so that setter table T can be indexed the desired amount, in this case, 180. It will be observed that gear I30 is so mounted that the setter table can be raised and lowered and also inverted in proper timed relation to the control mechanism. This arrangement also makes it possible to index the table in one direction.

Loosely mounted on shaft 256 is a star wheel 255 provided with a plurality of projections 255a positioned in the path of pins I 6 on turret I 65 so that during the rotation of the turret, whenever a pin I6 1 projects therefrom, the pin in addition to engaging cam surface I82 of lever I70 will also engage one of the projections 255a and turn star wheel 25% through one step, the magnitude of which depends upon the number of projections 255a. In the present embodiment there are eight projections 255a and the star wheel is indexed 45. A fiat spring 25f bears against the periphery of star wheel 255 and prevents excess movement thereof under the influence of pins I64.

Fixed to wheel 255 is a cam 258 provided with alternate high and low portions, and so arranged that whenever starwheel 255i is indexed, cam 258 will also move through a given angle. Tracking on cam 258 is a cam follower 250 mounted on lever 250 pivoted on shaft 255. Lever 250 is also provided with arms 252 and 233, and to arm 263.

is fastened one end of spring 264, the other end of which is suitably secured. to a stationary part of the machine. Spring 264 maintains cam follower 259 in tracking engagement with cam 258. On the free end of arm 252 there is provided a projection 265 arranged to be moved into and out of the path of a pin 265 mounted on and projecting laterally from lever H8. The arrangement of this mechanism is such that whenever lever ITB is moving on its return stroke under the action of spring i9 3 after having been moved outwardly by a pin 56d, if cam follower 259 is running on a high part of cam 258, projection 2% will be clear of pin 266, but if cam follower 255i is positioned on a low part of cam 258 then projection 265 will be in the path of pin 268 and hence will lock lever I'IB against full return movement.

Operation of control mechanism-normal play It will be understood from the above that the lever Ilii is responsible for the positioning of the cam unit I86 to IEII and of the cam unit I lI to E66. Whenever the shaft Ill is being driven and the solenoid itil is energized, a projected pin i3 2 will move the lever I'I8 and the cam I88 will be positioned to engage the lever I95, and at the proper time will set into operation the mecl1- anism for indexing the table T. When the lever I78 returns the full distance to its original position, the cam I85 will be located for engagement with the lever I95 to control the indexing of the table at a different time. If, however, lever I'lfi is held in its intermediate position, the cam 58? will engage the lever I95 to control the indexing of the table in a similar manner to the cam I88 but in a different time relation. The cams I i I-I 43 and hi t-4% will be similarly selectively positioned with respect to the levers i2! and i2 Ia to control the application of suction to the setting and resetting devices in different ways depending upon which of the cams I86I38 is in controlling position. Each of the pins I64 after being projected, is returned to its latched position during rotation of the turret I65, by engagement with a stationary cam I540 on the frame i5I (Figure 12).

Figures 24 to 27 show the cams of the two cam units in expanded form. The cam I88 is the strike control cam, as it controls when a strike has been made, that is, all of the pins have been knocked down by the first ball thrown in any frame. It is provided with four equally spaced apart bumps I91, marked I, 2, 3 and 4 in Figure 26, of which the bumps i and 2 constitute an active set which may be effective in one cycle of the machine, and the bumps 3 and t constitute another active set which may be effective in an other cycle of the machine, the cam unit turning through a half revolution in each cycle. The cams i136 and i8! may be termed the second ball, and spare control cams, as one or the other of them controls when a strike has not been made, that is, when pins remain standing after the first ball has been thrown. Each of these cams is provided with two bumps, but they are arranged on different portions of the cams, the bumps M and 2A of cam IB'E being in the same positions as the bumps I and 2 of the cam I38, and the bumps 3A and 4A of the cam i536 being in the same positions as the bumps 3 and 4 of the cam 88. The cams itB and I8? are thus of the same form, but off-set in 180 relation one to the other. The articular cam lat or I31 which is to be in controlling position with respect to lever I95 is determined by the cam 258 of the star wheel l4 255, which as above described, either permits or prevents the full return movement of the lever I'IB. In the former case, the cam I86 is moved into controlling position, and in the latter case, the cam I8! is moved into controlling position.

The reason for this will be apparent when it is considered that the first ball thrown at the start of a game may or may not result in a strike. In the former case, a new set of pins must be set on the alley bed in the first cycle of the machine or after the first ball of a frame is thrown, and by the energization of the solenoid Hit! in a manner later described, a pin IE4 is projected into operative position and the lever I13 is operated as above described to bring the cam I38 into controlling position and the bumps l and 2 thereof will cause the indexing or turning of the table T prior to the downward pin setting movement thereof and after the return upward movement, by the mechanism and in the manner above set forth. In the latter case, in which the pins are not all knocked down, the solenoid I3 is not energized, the lever H8 is not operated, and assuming the roller 259 is engaging a high point of the cam 258, the cam I86 will remain in controlling position. Consequently no indexing movements are imparted to the table T during the first cycle of operation, as the lever I95 rides, on the surface of cam I86, and the standing pins are raised and reset on the alley bed by upward and downward movements of the table during this cycle. After the second ball is thrown, in a two ball per frame game, regardless of whether the standing pins have been knocked down or not, a new set of pins must be placed on the alley bed during the second cycle of operation. Again the solenoid it!) is not energized, and the cam I remains in control, and during this second cycle the bumps 3A and ill cause indexing or turning of the table T inthe same manner as the bumps I and 2 of the cam I83. The cam unit having completed a revolution is restored to the original position, ready for like eventualities to those described, in the next frame.

If a strike is made in the next frame following a strike in the first frame, the cam unit will have made half a revolution, and will make another half revolution in the single cycle of the first and only ball of the second (strike) frame. The solenoid I53 will be energized and the cam I83 moved into controlling position as in the case of the first strike, but the second half of the cam will be active and the bumps 3 and 4 thereof will cause indexing of the table T for the setting of a new group of pins, in the same manner as the bumps I and 2. The cam unit is then restored to its original position at the end of the second frame, ready for like eventualities to those described with respect to the first frame, in the next or third frame of the game.

It will be understood that in the single strike cycle of the first frame, the roller 259 will move onto a low portion of the cam 258, and the lever H8 because of the engagement of projection 255 by pin 256 on lever I'iB will not complete a full return stroke. This will be of no effect in the case of a second strike cycle in the second frame, as the lever I18 will be operated by the projected pin ltd to bring the cam I88 into controlling position, as described, and during this cycle the roller 259 will again be engaged with a high portion of cam 258.

If however, following a strike in the first frame, the first ball of the next frame does not resuit in a strike, it will be necessary to op.

eration of the machine through two successive cycles, as described above in the case where a strike did not result in the first frame. It will be seen that if the cam L35 was still in controlling position, it would cause incorrect operation of the machine, as at the end of the first strike cycle, the lever 595 would be in engagement with the second half of the cam E35 instead of the first half thereof, due to the half revolution of the cam unit. It is for this reason that the cam 258 is provided to cause the lever M8 to be heid in an intermediate position, due to which the cam It? is in controlling position. As this cam is a duplicate of the cam Hit but displaced 180 with respect thereto, it will correctly control the operation in the same manner as described with respect to the earn 583, the bumps lA and 2A being active in the second cycle to cause the setting of a new set of ins for the third frame. In the case of a strike in the third frame, following a non-strike in the second frame, the cam 258 will again operate to bring the cam 86 back into controlling position at the start of the fourth frame.

It will be understood that in the case of a successsion of strikes, the cam its will control, alternate halves of the cam being active in alternate single strike cycles. In the case of a succession of non-strikes or spares, the cam N36 or I81 will remain in control, depending on which was in controlling position at the start of the succession, and until a strike is made and the other cam is brought into controlling position, the lever H8 only being operated when a strike is made and the solenoid I553 is energized.

With respect to the cam unit l lil66, Figures 24 and 25, it will be understood that as this unit is shifted when the cam unit I86 to l9l is shifted, the cams hi3 and B46 will be brought into controlling positions when the cam 88 is in controlling position. The two halves of each cam are duplicates of each other, this cam unit also making a half revolution in each machine cycle. Each half of cam 143 is provided with a high cam portion arranged to operate the lever [iii to cause suction to be applied to the pin setting devices S, as above described, prior to the first indexing movement or the table T and until the pins are set on the alley bed by the downward movement of the table, the lever l2! then moving onto a low portion of the cam to cut off the suction and release the pins. Each half of cam M3 is provided with a high cam portion arranged to operate lever I2l a to cause suction to be applied to the pin resetting devices U prior to the first indexing movement of the table T and until after the second indexing movement has been completed, the lever l2la then passing onto a low portion of the cam to out 01f the suction. The purpose of this is to hold the resetting devices against lateral movement during said inverting movements, as will be described with reference to Figure 20.

It will be understood that the levers Hi and [Zia will be in engagement with the cams lei and MG when the lever I195 is in engagement with the cam I89, and it will appear from the later description that during each cycle of the machine, the table is twice moved downwardl and upwardly. The first downward movement is for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of standing pins, as described in the Nejedly patent. If a strike has been made and there are no standing pins, the solenoid we is energized and the cams i 53 and its are brought into engagement with the levers [2| and I2 la to control the application of suction to the setting and resetting devices in the manner above set forth, in proper relation with respect to the second downward and upward movements of the table T.

If however, there are pins still standing on the alley bed, the solenoid lot will not be energized and the cams MI and I44 will remain in controlling positions. The first half of cam I44 is provided with a high cam portion adapted to operate the lever l2la to cause suction to be ap plied to the resetting devices U at the end of the first downward movement and until the end of the second downward movement, in order that the standing pins may be raised from the bed by the first upward movement of the table and reset on the bed by the second downward movement thereof, the lever 62m then passing onto a low portion of the cam to cut ofi the suction and release the pins. During this cycle of the machine, suction is not applied to the setting devices S, the lever 52! running on a low portion of the cam Idl.

During the second cycle of operation suction is not applied in the resetting devices during the first upward movement, as although pins may still be standing, it is not required to lift and reset the same in a two ball per frame game, but a new set of pins must be set upon the alley bed. Consequently the second halves of the cams MI and [it are respectively the same as the halves of the cams Hi3 and MB, in order to operate the levers l2! and i2 la to cause suction to be applied in the setting and resetting devices during the indexing and vertical movements of the table T, in the same manner as when the levers are controlled by the cams I43 and 146.

The cams M2 and 545 are respectively duplicates of the cams M! and M4, but are displaced 180 with respect thereto, these cams being moved into controlling positions with respect to levers l2! and 52m, when the cam I8! is moved into controlling position with respect to lever I95, the cams E li, i 32 and [44, being provided for the same reasons as above set forth in regard to the cams I86, ifil.

Operation of control mechanism as the result of a foul If a foul is made on the first ball of a frame, and regardless of whether all pins are knocked down, or some pins remain standing, the pin setting control mechanism is actuated to place a new set of pins on the alley. In such case a foul signal, such as a light or a bell or both, is operated to apprise the player that he has fouled; the resetter units U are rendered inoperative to lift pins, as described hereinafter; and sweep see is operated to remove all deadwood.

The operation of the control mechanism is substantially the same as that described above in connection with a strike. That is, solenoid Hill is energized, and a projected pin 54 will move lever I73, and cam I88 wfll be positioned to engage lever l95, and at the proper time will set into operation the mechanism for indexing table T even though there still remains a second ball of the same frame to be played. Because of the foul, no score for the first ball is counted. By means of the mechanism described hereinafter resetter units U are rendered inoperative because of the operation of solenoid 550 which operates valve 705 and cuts oil the supply of suction to resetter units U from conduit I81.

If a foul is made on the second or last ball of a frame the machine continues in its normal operation, except that a signal such as a light L is operated to inform the player that he has made a foul.

Figures 20, 21 and 22 showthe detailed construction of the resetter units U which conform generally in construction to those shown in the Nejedly patent mentioned hereinabove. The resetter units are each provided with means for conducting suction, and also means for automatically registering the presence or absence of a standing pin, and therefore, control the operation of the machine to effect the movement of pins to the setters S. Since all of the pin resetter units are the same, only one will be described in detail. a In the preferred form a tubular bracket 390 is fixedly mounted upon plate 96 in centered relation with reference to an opening 96a therein, and in proper arrangement with respect to the required position of the pins as set and reset upon the alley, in usual triangular formation or other desired arrangement. A piston 3M is slidably mounted in the bore sum of the bracket, and has associated therewith and fixed thereto a valve 302 provided with a bore 393 having a transverse suction distributing. slot 304 in the free end thereof sothat suction may be distributed to the pinresetter Suction is conducted from bore 393 through a bore 395 in each resetter unit which communicates with the spaceabove the center of a pin. Coiled about the valve 302 is a spring 396 which bears against the piston and normally tends to urge it upwardly as shown in Figure 21. A suction opening 391 is formed in the bore in order to make it possible for suction to be fed from conduit 9! and hence through the bores 303 and 305 for gripping pins. In Figure 21 the suction opening is shown aligned with conduit 9| so that suction is being conducted causing the respotter to grip a pin. Projecting from the upper face of piston 3M is a rod 309 about which is coiled a spring 333 bearing against the upper face of the piston and tending to push it downwardly against the pressure of spring 306. Red 399 extends upwardly through opening 3I0 in insulating plug 3 ll which is secured in the open end of bracket 300. Mounted on rod 399 are insulating plugs 3l2 and 313 between which is located a conductor disk 3l4 held thereon by means of a screw 3| 5. Disk 3l4 is adapted to engage spring contacts 320 which are fixed to insulating plug3ll by means of bolts 32! and nuts 322 which also secure terminal lugs 322a of line 323. It will be noted that in Figure 20,,disk

3M is shown as closing a circuitthrough spring down piston 3|]! so that opening 301 iscut bit from the source of suction and the pressure of valve 392 bearingagainstdisk 324 is suflicient to holdthe unit U against lower plate 91 so that it will not slide between support plates 96tand 9'! during the indexing of the table T. In Figure 2'1, suction opening 301 is aligned with conduit 9i, and the suction is conducted through bores 303 and 305 to grip a pin for lifting.

Referring to Figure 35, it will be seen that a s it we e .334 P eke i er pay si te saitable insulating material is mounted on table 'I for rotation therewith. This board preferably is semi-circular in form and supports switch contacts 341, 348which coact with switch contacts 344, 344a, respectively, on plate 328, also formed of non-conducting material, fixed to a bracket 236 secured to shaft 39 by means of clamp screws 236a. Also mounted on bracket 235 is a plate 343 of non-conducting material provided with switch contacts 345, 345a which coact with contacts 349a, 329, respectively, fixed to plate 343 formed of a suitable non-conducting material. Plate 349 is mounted on side frame 2b of the machine. Contacts 34! and 348 are connected in a series circuit connecting the several resetter units U. Contacts 344, 349a are connected by suitable electric wires to contacts 345, and 34511, respectively, which at certain times in the operation of the machine coact with contacts 343a, 329, respectively, connected to wires forming part of the strike control mechanism. The arrangement of thismechanism, as in the Nejedly patent referred to hereinabove, is such that table T may be raised, lowered, and turned, and all necessary electrical operations be carried out properly. Consequently, when table T is indexed and lowered towards the alley, switch contacts 3455, 345a and 345a, 329 will be in engagement, and if all pins have been knocked down, or a strike made, a series circuit through units U is completed, and the strike control mechanism operated to effect thedelivery of a new set of pins to the alley. As the table is raised,and turned through the several contacts separate, and the series circuit is broken.

Figure 33 illustrates a suitable wiring diagram showing a foul detector device and an automatic foul control mechanism operating in conjunction with the electric control circuit of the bowling pin setting machine. This figure also shows diagrammatically certain mechanical elements which are included as a part of the control mechanism. The mechanism shown in Figure 33 is operative to change the cycle of the machine to a strike cycle regardless of any standing pins a nd to reset ten pins if a foul is made on the first ball of a frame. It also functions to incapacitate the resetter units U'byshutting off the suction which operates these units and prevent them from lifting and resetting any standing pins so that the sweep .43!) may remove them from the alley alo ng with any deadwood if the first ball of a frameis a foul. There is,also provided a foul signalsuch as a light which is turned on automatically to apprise the player that he has made afoul. 3 The foul control circuit also changes the operatiqn of the machine for ,the following ball, which is the players second ball of the same frame, to a strike cycle in the same manner as for a first ball foul but without operating the foul light unless the second ball of the frame should also be a foul inwhich case the foul light is operated. In the event of a second ball foul following a normal first ball or one free of foul, the cyclic opera tion of the machine continues normally and a normal second ball cycle occurs with the addition, however, of the operation of the foul signal. The automatic foul detector device may be ,of any suitable automatic type, such as a photoelectrically controlled device, such as shown diagrammatically in Figure 33, which preferably is one which meets the approval of the American Bowlingcongress. The foul detector device may consist ofa photoelectric cell unit 522, operating 19 in conjunction with a source of light 52:} positioned directly across the alley in line with the foul line so that any unauthorized movement of the player beyond the foul line results in an actuation of solenoid 526 through the photoelectrol of the bowling pin setting machine.

As shown in Figure l0, cams 532, 554 are pivoted on a stud I2 held by a suitable lug of the frame member I53. Cam 5% is formed integrally with cam 582 which in turn is integral with a gear 535 meshing with gear 455 on shaft iii. The gearing is so arranged as to insure that each cam makes one revolution per ball. Switches 535, operated by their respective cams are mounted on a bracket 5H3 secured to the above mentioned lug on frame member I55. Cam 582 is so formed as to maintain switch closed while the ma chine is inoperative, but after the machine begins to operate as the result of a ball dropping into the pit, cam 5S2 rotates and caus s switch 585 to open and to close again just before the end of the cycle. Cam 5% is formed to keep switch 538 also closed while the machine is inoperative but as it rotates during the upward motion of the pin setter table T following its first downward movement it causes switch 538 to be opened and remain open until the end of the cycle.

The circuit is also provided with a relay RI, a relay R2 and relay R-3. Relay RI is provided with normally open contacts a, b, c, d, and e.

Relay R3 has one normally open contact I.

Relay R--2 is a ratchet relay of any suitable conventional type which is provided with three contacts g, h and i which open and close on alter- .nate impulses to the coil of the relay. The latter is provided with an arm 538 on which is pivotally mounted a pawl 532 engaging a ratchet W which has twice as many teeth as the number of high points on cam V, mounted on the same shaft 53I as ratchet W, which actuates a switch bar 534 to effect the closing of contacts g, h and i 33 and deenergization of the coil allows spring- 535 to pull arm 53!] to the left whereby pawl 532 which engages the ratchet W causes it to turn through 60 and thereby turn cam V to either open or close contacts g, h and z.

As mentioned hereinabove, there are also provided a plurality of cams which operate in proper timed relation to control the suction valves of the setting and resetting units. This mechanism includes cams I 89, I93 and I SI on slide member I84 mounted for shifting movement upon cam shaft I85 and so arranged as to keep switches 358 and 368a (Figure 33) in normally open position.

The arrangement of the bumps and depressions on cams I89, I90 and I9I is such that on the first ball of a frame thrown, cam follower 269 of lever 26! is moved upwardly to effect a closing of switch 350a. This operation is timed to take place when the setter table T is in down position with the resetter units U located to engage, lift, and reset any pins remaining standing" Cam follower 269 is maintained in engagement with cams I89I9I by means of a spring 269a'having one end connected to lever 261 and its other end suitably attached to the machine framel In the normal play of the game any standing pins are lifted, and reset pending delivery of the next ball of the same frame because as described hereinabove, actuation of the pin setting mechanism and delivery of a new set of pins to the alley is prevented until after the last or second ball of the frame is thrown. However, if the first ball of a frame results in a strike, closing of switch 360a results in the completion of a circuit through resetter unit switches 320 (which at this time are closed by the operation of the suction system described hereinabove) and through the sliding contacts on plates 334, 328, 343 and 346. This energizes relay 35I which closes switch 352 and energizes solenoid I60 to effect the actuation of the pin setting mechanism as set forth hereinabove. Relay 353' is also energized as soon as switches 323 close, and closes switch 354 energizing solenoid 355 causing ten new pins to be transferred from magazine M to settersS for placement on alley A.

A different situation obtains if the player fouls while rolling the first ball of a frame. In that case, regardless of whether any or all pins are knocked down and whether any or all switches 320 are closed when switch 350a closes, all pins, whether standing or fallen are swept into the pit, and a new set of pins is delivered to the alley pending playin of the second ball. The machine operates in the same manner as if a strike had been made as far as setting a new set of pins is concerned although the mechanism is automatically adjusted for playing the second ball of the same frame. The foul detector device and the foul control mechanism are operated, and a signal such as light L is operated to apprise the player that he has fouled. Solenoid 550 of valve I05 is also energized to shut off suction in line I01 feeding the resetter units U and hence render them inoperative. A more detailed description of the operation of the foul control mechanism is given hereinafter.

If the second ball of a frame is a normal ball the operation of the machine causes cam follower 259 to engage a depression in either of the cams I89, I98 whereupon lever 25! rocks in the opposite direction to close switch 350 which closes a I circuit energizing relay 353 only to close switch 354 and effect the operation of solenoid 355 which controls the operation'of the pintransfer mechanism 42. Relay 35! is'not energized. Cam I85 or I81 causes the placement of a new set of pins on the alley pending playing of the first ball of the next frame. If a foul is made on the second ball, the same mechanism is operated, the only difference being the addition of signal L which operates to apprise the player of that fact.

The operation of the foul control mechanism is as follows: When the foul indicator switch 528 closes, relay R-I is energized and all relay contacts a to e are closed, the relay being locked in through contact a and cam operated switch 598,

' A foul lamp L is lighted through contact c. Con- 

